Improving Food Security & Increasing Access to Fresh Produce on Syracuse’s Historic 15th Ward

Toomey Abbott Market Double Up Launch

Double Up Food Bucks NY launches at Toomey Abbott Market

Syracuse, NY – November 16, 2023: Field & Fork Network is pleased to announce the launch of Double Up Food Bucks NY at Toomey Abbott Market. The Double Up incentive program increases food security and improves nutrition security by offering SNAP shoppers a $1 for $1 match on purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables, up to $20 per day. Field & Fork Network worked closely with Syracuse Housing Authority (SHA) and Syracuse Onondaga Food System Alliance (SOFSA) to identify a retail store location that would have the greatest benefit for residents.

Toomey Abbott Market presented an invaluable opportunity to enhance fresh produce accessibility for seniors & individuals with disabilities, who often face the biggest barriers to food access. Located below Toomey Abbott Towers, a 300 apartment SHA high-rise, Toomey Abbott Market offers convenient access to essential groceries, including fresh fruits and vegetables. For the many senior and disabled residents without access to reliable aid or transportation, Toomey Abbott Market is their only grocery option.

“The successful launch of our program at Toomey Abbott Market would not be possible without the partnership and dedication of SHA. Their social workers received specialized training, empowering them to address inquiries and collect program sign-ups from clients directly. SHA’s proactive approach and consistent support has ensured countless residents’ ability to put healthy food on the table,” said Josh McGuire, Double Up Food Bucks NY Program Director.

Senator Rachel May said, “Good nutrition is the basis for a long and fulfilling life; however, for those in need, lack of access and affordability make it challenging to eat healthy fruits and veggies. Double Up Food Bucks is an excellent program helping bridge the divide between some in our community and a nutritious lifestyle.  I was happy to advocate for this excellent nonprofit program during the budget process. I’m excited that it’s expanding and will now be available at the Toomey Abbott Market, right in the place where many seniors live, ensuring they have access to healthy food. I look forward to Double Up Food Bucks’ success in this new location and its continuing expansion in Syracuse.”

Assemblyman Magnarelli said, “The launch of Double Up Food Bucks at Toomey Abbott Market demonstrates the close partnership of the Field & Fork Network and Syracuse Housing Authority. The program fills a need of the residents of Toomey Abbott Towers. Without this opportunity for the residents of Toomey Abbott to purchase fresh produce under this cost-saving program, the disparities of a food desert would continue to widen. I commend both agencies for recognizing this critical need and for bringing this program directly to the door of the residents of Toomey Abbott, who will benefit greatly from its presence.”

Syracuse Housing Authority said, “Many of our residents at Syracuse Housing Authority are on a fixed income and with the ever rising cost of daily necessities such as food our residents are having a hard time getting by. The Double Up Food Bucks program has positively impacted so many of our residents lives by allowing them to stretch their dollar and be able to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Our residents on the west side have been taking advantage of the Double Up Food Bucks program at Brady Market and our Resident Support Services Team were committed to supporting and expanding the Double Up Food Bucks program to reach even more residents. Toomey Abbott Market now participating in the Double Up Food Bucks program allows even more of our residents to utilize the program and eat healthy.”

“In the historic shadow of Interstate 81 – a symbol of past community upheaval – the Toomey Abbott Market stands as a testament to our commitment to acknowledging and rectifying historical disparities,” said Maura Ackerman, Director of the Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance. “The Double Up Food Bucks Program not only revitalizes this space but empowers our community economically, ensuring access to fresh, healthy food becomes a right, not a privilege.”

The impact of DUFBNY on individuals’ food security is significant; with each SNAP purchase, program users can earn up to $20 a day to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables. This helps participants stretch their food budgets and put healthy food on the table.

How the Program Works:

  • Anyone with SNAP is eligible, simply sign up for a Double Up Food Bucks card at Toomey Abbott and start earning. Participants can also earn and spend their Double Up Food Bucks at Brady Market located on Gifford St.
  • Each SNAP dollar spent at the store equates to a dollar for fresh produce, up to $20 per day
  • Double Up Food Bucks never expire, allowing the program to work flexibly and meet individual needs.

Jay Patel, Toomey Abbott Market Owner said, “My name is Jay Patel, and I have been the owner of Toomey Abbott Market since 2007. I am glad we can partake in the Double Up Food Bucks program, as it allows many of our customers to make healthy choices. This program enables us to stock more fresh fruits and vegetables from local vendors for customers to pick from. We started the program on September 25th, and ever since then, we have seen a significant increase in fresh produce sales. We have had about 236 signups and 1600 transactions, which goes on to show that the initiative has been well-received by our customers. I am happy to see that this program encourages customers to make healthier choices by implementing healthy food into their diets, leading to overall health improvement. The Double Up Food Bucks program allows people to eat healthy despite the hardships they face due to increased living costs. This program is a great investment in our community’s long-term well-being.”

Toomey Abbott is located at 1213 Almond St, in Syracuse. The store is open Monday-Saturday from 9am-8pm. Double Up Food Bucks NY also operates at Brady Market, Syracuse Co-op, Brady Farm Stand, and the Burt Street Farm Market. To learn more, visit: www.doubleupnys.com

Fighting hunger, high prices amid SNAP benefit decrease

Fighting hunger, high prices amid SNAP benefit decrease

Originally Published in Times Union Written By: Shannon Fromma

Inflation has been hitting wallets hard, especially when it comes to food. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates Americans are spending nearly 12 percent more on food each month than they were a year ago. According to federal labor data, grocery inflation picked up in January even as prices in the U.S. fell in other industries from the previous month. 

For the 2.8 million New Yorkers who rely on federal assistance, things are about to go from bad to worse. Starting in March, every household that receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits will begin to receive at least $95 less a month. Household size and income may result in an even larger decrease with some families receiving nearly $300 less per month. 

The change comes as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s temporary SNAP Emergency Allotment benefits — provided since early on during the pandemic to address food insecurity — expire at the end of the February.  In just a few days, eligible households will only receive regular monthly SNAP benefits. 

“That is a pretty serious hit to the family budget,” said Molly Nicol, CEO, Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, who anticipates a dramatic increase in the number of neighbors seeking food assistance as the emergency allotments end. 

Roughy 1.8 million New Yorkers are facing hunger — an individual-level physiological condition that may result from food insecurity, as defined by the USDA. Nearly 600,000 are children, according to Feeding America, a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks that feed more than 46 million Americans.

During the pandemic, the Regional Food Bank saw a large increase in those seeking help. It went from distributing 38 million pounds of food per year pre-COVID to 55.8 million pounds of food at the height of the pandemic. The food bank is now at about 50 million pounds per year.

“This means that hard working folks are finding it difficult to feed their families” Nicol said. “Additionally, it means that the Food Bank is also experiencing increased expenses associated with meeting the needs in our 23-county region.”

Food bank CEOs from the Northeast are meeting with USDA representatives in early March to advocate for more food donations and funding for Universal School Meals across the state. They are hoping to convince the federal government to increase SNAP benefits to what they were at the height of the pandemic, Nicol said. 

“The end of SNAP Emergency Allotments will hasten a hunger cliff for many New Yorkers,” said Krista Hesdorfer, MPA, government relations manager for Hunger Solutions New York, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to alleviating hunger in New York. 

This is a federal change, and local social services districts do not have control over it, Hesdorfer said. However, those who do receive SNAP benefits can report any changes — loss of income, increased housing costs, child support payments or allowable medical expenses —  to their local department of social services, which could result in an increase in normal monthly SNAP benefits, she said.

There are also programs available that enhance SNAP benefits, especially when used at farmers markets. Double Up Food Bucks NY, a program of the Field & Fork Network, has become a model for communities across the country. 

The Field & Fork Double Up Food Bucks NY program aims to connect communities throughout the state with sustainable food options by matching EBT or food stamp dollars spent on fruits and vegetables, up to $20 per day. The program provides a $1 to $1 match on SNAP eligible fruit and vegetable purchases at farmers markets, farm stands and select grocers throughout the state, including Honest Weight Food Co-op,  Schenectady Green Market, Can Stop Redemption in Troy, Capital Roots Mobile Markets and West Hill Farmers Market.

“When you couple (the expiration of extended benefits) with the current economic conditions, many low-income families will struggle to fill that gap. Double Up can be a part of the solution and help fill the gap with healthy locally grown produce,” said Lisa French, co-founder and executive director at Field & Fork Network. “Doubling the current $2 million funding to $4 million means the program can provide a critical resource for these families.”

To date, more than $8 million SNAP Double Up dollars have been spent on fresh produce to help alleviate food insecurity. The benefits extend beyond consumers. Purchases support more than 400 farmers who participate in the program. And, roughly $2.8 million SNAP and Double Up dollars have been spent at stores throughout the state.  

In addition to Double Up Food Bucks, there are programs that help New Yorkers put fresh food on the table. Low income seniors and those receiving WIC benefits may be eligible to receive New York State Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs coupons that can be used at participating farmers markets and farm stands. SNAP-to-Market is another program that distributes FreshConnect Checks in addition to the SNAP benefit. For every $5 in SNAP benefits a customer exchanges for wooden tokens, the manager may issue a $2 FreshConnect Check to be used on any SNAP eligible food item.

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Field & Fork Network Partners with Emmanuel Sanders and the Buffalo Bills Foundation to Tackle Food Insecurity

Field & Fork Network’s Double Up Food Bucks New York program expands healthy food access for low-income families

Field & Fork Network announced its partnership with the Buffalo Bills Foundation today, joining a collection of local organizations participating in their Huddle for Hunger initiative addressing child hunger, nutritious food access, and healthy eating in Western New York. Double Up Food Bucks New York, a healthy food incentive program administered by Field & Fork Network, does just that by providing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) shoppers with a dollar-for-dollar match to purchase more fruits and vegetables.

Buffalo Bills Wide Receiver Emmanuel Sanders will take on a new position as spokesperson for the program. “I’m proud to help shine a light on healthy food disparities and programs like Double Up Food Bucks which work to make it easier for people to put nutritious food on the table for their families,” said Sanders. “This cause is very personal to me and I hope that through this partnership I can continue to connect with people of Western New York community, while ensuring they get access to the resources available to them that make food more affordable.”

Nearly 20% of Western New Yorkers are food insecure with a high potential of qualifying for SNAP benefits. With Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB), $20 spent on eligible SNAP purchases equals an extra $20 earned that can be used to purchase fresh, local produce. Since piloting DUFB at seven Western New York farmers markets in 2014, Field & Fork Network has expanded the program into over 180 farmers markets, mobile markets, farm stands, small retail, and corner stores across 30 counties in New York State, serving over 24,000 SNAP customers.

“The partnership with the Buffalo Bills Foundation and Emmanuel Sanders is incredibly exciting and will no doubt significantly raise awareness of the Double Up Food Bucks New York program. Our goal of eradicating food insecurity while improving the health of SNAP shoppers and strengthening the local food economy is that much closer with their help and support,” states Field & Fork Network’s Executive Director, Lisa French.

In addition to the collaboration with Sanders, the Buffalo Bills Foundations generously awarded Field & Fork Network $25,000 to conduct marketing and outreach, across the region, for the Double Up Food Bucks New York program. Field & Fork Network will be launching a robust promotional campaign featuring Sanders that will help drive awareness of the program and inform SNAP shoppers how to best use the program in stretching their food budgets.

“We are thrilled to have the support of the Buffalo Bills Foundation and Emmanuel Sanders as we tackle food insecurity in Western New York,” said Frances McGuire, Program Manager. “Double Up Food Bucks is an incredible resource that empowers SNAP shoppers to make healthy choices. Emmanuel’s voice will help us go the extra yard to spread the word about the program in the community.”

The first installment in connecting the community together through football and food will be Field & Fork Network’s participation in the Buffalo Bills Foundation Game on September 26th. From 9am until game start at 1pm, you can find the Double Up Food Bucks team on the Billevard handing out prizes and program information and giving eligible attendees the opportunity to sign up. Thanks to the foundation, two DUFB shoppers were awarded free tickets to the game and will also be in attendance with their families. There may even be a special guest!

“I could not be more excited to be partnering with Emmanuel Sanders and the Buffalo Bills Foundation!” said Stephanie Tisdale, Field & Fork Network Board President. “Not everyone within our community is fortunate enough to have regular access to healthy, sustainable options. Double Up Food Bucks is an amazing program that makes this dream and need an attainable reality. Thank you so much to the Buffalo Bills Foundation for their role in this and a very special thanks to Mr. Sanders. We at Field & Fork Network are so appreciative, beyond excited, and this is only the beginning!”

Double Up Food Bucks not only encourages healthy eating while providing the means to afford and access local food by meeting people where they are, but also supports local farmers and economies by putting the money back into their pockets. It’s a win-win-win for all! Field & Fork Network will continue to work with local partners to expand DUFB into more communities that will benefit from it the most. To learn more about Double Up Food Bucks and to find a complete list of participating sites, please visit www.doubleupnys.com/locations.

SUFFOLK COUNTY EXECUTIVE BELLONE ANNOUNCES FIRST DOUBLE UP FOOD BUCKS PROGRAM ON LONG ISLAND

Suffolk County Economic Development Corporation Authorizes $25,000 to Fund Field & Fork Network to Combat Food Insecurity

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today announced the Suffolk County Economic Development Corporation has approved a $25,000 grant to Field & Fork Network to bring the Double Up Foods Bucks Program to Suffolk County. Double Up Food Bucks doubles the value of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, that is spent at participating farmers markets, mobile markets, corner stores, small retail locations, farm stands and grocery stores, helping residents to bring home more locally grown fruits and vegetables.

“With more than 350,000 Long Islanders not knowing where their next meal will come from, this program will not only give low income residents the chance to make healthier food choices, it will also allow local farmers to gain new customers and make more money, ” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “Double Up Food Bucks will also allow more food dollars to stay in our local economy.”

Natalie Wright, Commissioner, Economic Development & Planning and Chair of the Suffolk County Economic Development Corporation said: “The Double Up Food Bucks program is a win-win for local food producers and the community – strengthening our food economy and assisting families who are facing food insecurity. The Economic Development Corporation endorses this creative effort.”

Double Up Food Bucks can only be used to purchase New York-grown fruits and vegetables. You can also use Double Up Food Bucks to purchase food bearing plants such as tomato plants, etc. Anyone receiving SNAP benefits is automatically eligible. If you have a SNAP EBT Card, you can use this program at a participating Double Up Food Bucks program site. Participating retailers must serve New York grown produce and accept SNAP benefits. For more information on Double Up Food Bucks, visit www.doubleupnys.com.

Field & Fork Network is a non-profit organization serving New York State. Their mission is to connect communities to innovative solutions that foster a sustainable food system. The Field & Fork Network began administering the Double Up Food Bucks program in 2014 at 7 farmers markets in Western New York. By 2021, the program has grown to be in 29 counties and over 150 farmers markets, mobile markets, grocery, small retail and farm stand locations. For more information on the Field & Fork Network, visit http://www.fieldandforknetwork.com.

In 2018, Suffolk County launched “Choose LI – Local and Independent”, a collaborative effort that seeks to raise awareness, advocate and inspire the community to support local and independent businesses on Long Island, including local fruits and vegetables. Residents can visit www.chooseli.org to find participating Double Up Food Bucks locations.

Farmers markets and farm stands interested in participating in the Double Up Food Bucks program should reach out to August Ruckdeschel at August.ruckdeschel@suffolkcountyny.gov.

National Farmers Market Week works to highlight how much value markets bring to their communities. The week includes fun events, specials, contests and activities to help boost market attendance and visibility in local communities. National Farmers Market week begins August 1st and runs through August 7th

Lisa French, co-founder and CEO of Field & Fork Network said: “I want to thank Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and the Suffolk County Economic Development Corporation for their commitment to fighting food insecurity and supporting local agriculture by investing in Double Up Food Bucks for their community. Double Up Food Bucks is a proven, innovative sustainable model that simultaneously delivers health and economic opportunity. Helping New Yorkers buy fresh, healthy food from local farmers is a simple, yet powerful concept. With Double Up Food Bucks every dollar spent does at least double duty, providing a dollar in new sales for NY family farmers and a dollar in real nutrition assistance, improving community health, and keeping food dollars circulating in the local economy.”

August Ruckdeschel, Chair, Suffolk County Food Policy Council said: “I want to thank the Suffolk County Economic Development Corporation for providing the seed money for this exciting program. The Double Up Food Bucks program has proven its value to consumers and farmers across New York state and across this nation. Bringing the program to Long Island has been a dream of the Suffolk County Food Policy Council for many years, and we are ready and willing to ensure the program is a local success.”

 Teddy Bolkas, Farmer, Thera Farms at CSJ Brentwood said:  “Food insecurity, especially for our children is a terrible thing. We hope our participation in this wonderful program will help feed hungry families on Long Island.”

Kara Bak, Director, Housing and Community Services for the Town of Southampton said: “The Town of Southampton is looking forward to participating in the Double Up Food Bucks Program at its Flanders Farm Fresh Food Market located at the Crohan Center in Flanders where families can be provided with local farm fresh vegetables and local fresh baked goods each Saturday during the Summer”.

Kate Fullam, Executive Director, East End Food Institute said: “The Riverhead Indoor Farmers Market will return this fall at the corner of Main Road and Cross River Drive in Riverhead, formerly the Homeside Garden Center. For the first time, the market will accept SNAP benefits and will also partner with Field & Fork to launch the Double Up Food Bucks program in Suffolk County. We are thrilled to be improving access to local food and creating new opportunities for producers to connect with the community.”

Michele Gervat, Community Impact Director, American Heart Association said: “The benefits of eating colorful, delicious and nutritious foods are undeniable, keeping our bodies and minds healthier, longer. All fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that may help prevent heart disease, cancer and other illnesses. The American Heart Association recommends filling at least half your plate with fruits and veggies to make it to the recommended five servings per day. We applaud the announcement by Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and the Suffolk County Economic Development Corporation for approving a $25,000 grant to Field and Fork Network to bring the Double Up Foods Bucks Program to Suffolk County. We look forward to continuous support to ensure the improvement in health outcomes for all Suffolk County residents.”

 

*Press Release from the Office of Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.

Double Up Food Bucks Nearly Doubles Its Summer Seasonal Markets Across New York State

SNAP incentive program increases food access for low-income families and supports local farmers

Double Up Food Bucks (Double Up), a nutrition incentive program expanding across New York State, opens for its 8th summer season. The program, administered by Field & Fork Network, matches federal food dollars one-for-one, giving shoppers access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables.  

Since piloting at seven Western New York farmers markets in 2014, Double Up Food Bucks has expanded into 30 counties across the state and has served over 24,000+ customers. The program now operates in farmers markets, mobile markets, farm stands, healthy corner stores, and grocery stores. 

 Here’s how Double Up works: The value of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Incentive Program, formerly known as food stamps) spent on locally grown fruits and vegetables is matched up to $20 per day, providing shoppers with additional dollars to bring home more produce. SNAP shoppers can sign up for the program easily and quickly at any participating location by visiting a market’s EBT booth or talking to a store associate.  

 “We are looking forward to the 2021 Double Up Food Bucks market season!” said Frances McGuire, Double Up Food Bucks Program Manager at Field & Fork Network. “The program is an incredible and empowering tool for low-income families. It allows SNAP users to stretch their food dollars and to make healthy choices that they could not afford to make otherwise with such a limited budget. Double Up Food Bucks also provides a huge boost for our local growers and has been important in helping them stay afloat during such a challenging year.” When asked if there was anything exciting shoppers should look forward to seeing this season McGuire said, “We are so excited to see the program expand into 60 new seasonal sites this year, in 8 new counties across New York State.”  

 Double Up now serves the following New York State counties: 

Albany, Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Clinton, Columbia, Dutchess, Erie, Essex, Franklin, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orange, Orleans, Rensselaer, Saint Lawrence, Saratoga, Schenectady, Suffolk, Sullivan, Tompkins, Ulster, Warren, Wayne, Westchester 

Double Up Food Bucks attempts to meet people where they are, even year-round – if you can’t find a location near you there may be one coming soon. For a complete list of participating Double Up sites and hours of operation, visit our locations page here.  

Shoppers can earn and redeem Double Up Food Bucks at seasonal markets from July 1st to October 31st. 

 

Double Up Food Bucks New York Releases 2021 Request for Applications

market application season

Field & Fork Network’s Nutrition Incentive program increases healthy food access for low-income families, supports local farmers

Buffalo, NY – Field & Fork Network is seeking applications for the 2021 Double Up Food Bucks Season. Farmers markets, mobile markets, farm stands, grocery, and small retail sites in New York State that accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps) benefits are eligible to apply for the program.

Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) is a national model for healthy food incentive programs that provides individuals and families who use SNAP benefits with a dollar-for-dollar match that encourages the purchase of healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetables. Since piloting DUFB at seven Western New York farmers markets in 2014, Field & Fork Network has expanded the DUFB program into over 150 locations across 23 counties in the state and has served over 22,500 SNAP customers. “The Double Up program is a win-win-win,” said Lisa French, co-founder and executive director of Field & Fork Network. “Low-income families bring home more healthy food, local farmers sell more produce, and more food dollars stay in the local economy.”

Here’s how DUFB works: It matches the value of SNAP dollars spent on locally grown fruits and vegetables, up to $20 per day, providing shoppers with additional dollars to bring home more produce. SNAP users can sign up for the program easily and quickly at any participating location.

As New Yorkers continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, the Double Up program can provide low-income consumers with a much-needed way to stretch their food dollars. “Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, more New Yorkers are facing the choice between being hungry and eating healthy every day,” says French. “Bringing the Double Up program into more sites across the state can help eliminate that choice.”

Businesses in the local farming and agriculture sector have seen an influx in customers because of Double Up Food Bucks. The ability for customers to stretch their food dollars with the incentive has driven new customers to Double Up sites and created opportunities for market partners to grow their business. “Creekside [Market] has been a seasonal market since inception [but] DUFB is one of the key reasons we are becoming a year-round grocery store/farm market,” said Alan Butzer, owner of Creekside Market. “The additional sales from DUFB help justify our decision to operate year-round and create jobs.”

Interested sites can find the application and additional information about Double Up Food Bucks on the Double Up New York State website www.doubleupnys.com/getinvolved. Applications must be completed by Friday, April 23, 2021. Eligibility requirements apply.

One-House Budgets Leave Out Vital Support for Sustainable Food Assistance Programs

food banks help to serve those in immediate need but won't sustain a healthy food lifestyle long-term

Field & Fork Network seeking $1 million allocation of funding to support Double Up Food Bucks Nutrition Incentive program

Buffalo, NY – Today, Field & Fork Network voiced its deep disappointment in the omission of funding for the Double Up Food Bucks NYS program in the New York State Senate and Assembly One-House budget proposals passed this week.

The assembly budget proposal includes a $25 million appropriation to support Nourish NY – a state initiative founded by Governor Cuomo at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic that provides surplus agricultural products to emergency food organizations at competitive prices. In a time where hunger is escalating at an unprecedented rate, emergency food services provide an essential lifeline for families in need. However, heavily investing exclusively in programs like Nourish NY takes away funding from more sustainable programs that give families more flexible food options that fit their lifestyles and food choices.

“While the Nourish NY program has provided excellent support to struggling NYS farmers and families during the pandemic environment, it is important for the state to lessen the load placed on the emergency food system by investing in nutrition incentive programs like Double Up Food Bucks that can lead to long-term improvement in food-insecurity,” said Lisa French, co-founder and executive director of Field & Fork Network.

Field & Fork Network is urging state legislators to consider earmarking $1 million of the $25 million appropriated to Nourish NY to the Double Up Food Bucks NYS program. Double Up Food Bucks (Double Up) is a nutrition incentive program that matches Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits dollar-for-dollar, on fresh fruit and vegetable purchases at participating farmers markets, mobile markets, small retail, and grocery locations. Since 2014, Double Up has helped to provide access to healthy, affordable produce to over 22,500 customers across New York State, while also supporting over 200+ farmers with increased revenue. Today, Double Up operates in 23 counties across upstate NY—with plans to double its footprint by 2024.

Double Up Food Bucks owes this success in part to the continued support received from a set of diverse partners, like the American Heart Association, that actively advocate on the program’s behalf. “The American Heart Association understands the importance of prioritizing access to healthy food initiatives, especially during the pandemic,” said Caitlin O’Brien, government relations director at American Heart Association. “The Double Up Food Bucks program which was not funded in either of the legislature’s budget bills, is a
commonsense solution. The legislature did appropriate $25 million for the Nourish NY Program, however. This is a good program that provides emergency food assistance, and the Double Up program would be a helpful supplement. If the state took $1 million of the funds allotted to this and invested them in Double Up Food Bucks, that would be an investment in a long-term, sustainable program to help with nutrition insecurity.”

Incentive programs like Double Up meet people where they are in their communities by providing access to more affordable food in existing food retail sites and farmers markets. Double Up addresses major food-insecurity challenges, like access and affordability, by partnering with stores in areas of high need to give people the power to choose their own foods. “Double Up allows SNAP users to purchase foods they want to eat on a long-term basis, rather than having to rely on what is available at a food bank or soup kitchen,” said French. “When families can choose their own foods, they will have an easier time fostering healthy eating habits, changing behaviors, and fitting their diets to their time and cooking capabilities.”

Diversifying solutions to address food insecurity long-term is a more sustainable way to ensure people are empowered with the choice for healthier, obtainable alternatives that conform to their dietary or culturally appropriate food needs. It also gives them the choice of where to buy, which in turn establishes a long-term relationship with local stores and farmers who then expand their customer base and income. This puts food dollars spent back into local economies, leading to a wider economic impact. According to a recent study performed by Colorado State University, healthy food incentive programs lead to powerful returns on investment. The study showed that for every dollar spent in New York State with Double Up, $2.20 goes back into stimulating the local economy. In 2020 alone, Double Up program purchases contributed $500,000 to the NYS economy. Further investment in the program by the state would significantly increase that number. To read the full economic impact study and to learn more about Double Up Food Bucks New York, please visit www.doubleupnys.com/resources.

USDA National Institute of Food & Agriculture Awards $4.6 Million to Expand Double Up Food Bucks Program in New York State

Double Up Food Bucks retail partners

Field & Fork Network’s nutrition incentive program benefits families, farmers, and the local economy.

Buffalo, NY – Field & Fork Network announced today that it has been awarded a four-year, $4.6 million federal grant through the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), by the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), to continue expanding the Double Up Food Bucks nutrition incentive program across New York State.

Double Up Food Bucks matches SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Incentive Program) benefits – dollar for dollar – on fresh fruit and vegetable purchases at participating farmers markets, mobile markets, small retail, and grocery locations.

“The Double Up Food Bucks program is a win-win-win,” said Lisa French, co-founder and Executive Director of Field & Fork Network, which first launched the Double Up program in 2014. “It benefits farmers, puts more healthy food on the tables of low-income families, and stimulates local businesses while keeping federal food dollars circulating in the local economy.”

Since 2014, the Double Up program has served over 16,000 SNAP users at over 100 locations across 24 counties in New York. The GusNIP grant, to be allocated over the next four years, will allow for expansion into 45 counties across the state, as well as further development of technological advances for the program, by 2024. This will provide the resources needed to implement the Double Up program into year-round grocery sites like Lexington Co-op Markets, which just this year adopted the program as the first grocer to do so in upstate NY.

“We are thrilled to be able to continue to work to expand the Double Up program across the state,” said Double Up Food Bucks program manager, Frances McGuire. “As a state, we are facing increased food insecurity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will allow more New York families and communities to have access to fresh, local food at a time when they need it the most.”

This is the third GusNIP (formerly known as the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Program) federal award granted to Field & Fork Network by NIFA. The funding builds on a tremendous foundation of support provided by Field & Fork Network’s extensive set of partners. The following philanthropic organizations are recognized for their role in making this grant possible through their matched contributions: Adirondack Foundation, Allyn Family Foundation, BlueShield of Northeastern New York Blue Fund, Cloudsplitter Foundation, COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, First Niagara Foundation, Five Star Bank, Garman Family Fund administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, The John R. Oishei Foundation, New York State Health Foundation, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, The Schenectady Foundation, United Way of the Adirondacks, Western New York Foundation, The Wright Family Foundation, Inc.

To ensure there is quality data on the progress toward the intended outcomes, Field & Fork Network has also partnered with a third-party evaluator, CCNY, Inc., for the lifespan of the GusNIP grant. CCNY will provide data on how well services are provided and how effective the work is at impacting those in need. “Our team is excited to support the important work of Field & Fork’s Double Up Food Bucks Program,” said David Monroe, Director of Evaluation and Analytics with CCNY. “It is a needed service in our community, and we continue to gather data to better understand its impact on New York State families, farmers, and local economies.”

To learn more about Double Up Food Bucks New York and find participating locations near you, please visit the program website at www.doubleupnys.com.